The 49ers have had some highs and lows over the course of the 2013 season but over the last six weeks you won’t find any lows. This is a franchise that is on course and hitting all the marks. While Kaepernick gets plenty of press he’s not the reason San Francisco finds itself in the postseason. The 49ers defense is one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL. Which is going to be quite a challenge for the Packers to overcome.

The Green Bay Packers meanwhile, are riding high on the return of Aaron Rodgers and hoping their offense will click with a little extra practice time. Keeping Rodgers clean from that terrific San Francisco pass rush is also a problem. The Packers benefit from being at home and this could be a very real advantage. The current forecast is for temperatures approaching single digits, something San Francisco doesn’t see very often.

Let’s face it, at 8-7-1 the Packers are lucky to be in the playoffs. San Francisco has been pegged as a Super Bowl contender since the spring. Green Bay will have to bring it’s best game and hope for a turnover or two. On paper, San Francisco brings the better team but in Green Bay, playing the Packers is never an easy win.